We all know Iowa has a rich history of putting tight ends into the NFL under Kirk Ferentz. Dallas Clark, Brandon Myers, Scott Chandler, and George Kittle come to mind, and even more have had a cup of tea in the league.
With the Detroit Lions taking him with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, T.J. Hockenson now joins that esteemed group of Iowa alumni. He is the first non-QB offensive player taken and first tight end taken in the top 10 since 2014.
Following a true freshman season where he was able to redshirt and learn from current NFL All-Pro George Kittle, Hockenson had a successful 2017 season for the Hawkeyes, garnering 24 receptions for 320 yards and three touchdowns.